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QUEEN CARD: The largest black-owned bank in the US is celebrating women in the community with its new debit card design (Image: OneUnited Bank)

THE LARGEST black-owned bank in America has launched a debit card inspired by influential black women.

OneUnited Bank’s new "Queen" Visa Debit Card celebrates black women across the country who are changing the world.

It features a striking illustration of a black woman seated on a throne, wearing her hair in braids and adorned with gold jewellery and a gold headpiece.

In a statement the bank said: “The impact of #BlackGirlMagic cannot be denied. Some of the most important political and civil rights leaders have been black women such as Harriet Tubman, Shirley Chisolm and Angela Davis.

Some of the most important artists and entertainers have also been black women, such as the late Queen of Soul (Aretha Franklin), Queen Bey (Beyoncé), Queen Latifah, Q.U.E.E.N. Janelle Monáe, Nobel laureate Toni Morrison and of course Oprah Winfrey...In almost every sector, black women reign!”

As well as highlighting the achievements of high profile black women, which inspired the card and the bank’s #WearYourCrown campaign, it also mentioned how the number of black women business owners grew by 164 per cent between 2007 and 2018, according to reports.

The card aims to make account holders “feel like royalty” when they use it to purchase goods and services.

“We introduced ‘The Queen’ card as a way to celebrate the royalty in our DNA,” OneUnited Bank said.

Teri Williams, president and COO of OneUnited Bank said: “We agree with Maya Angelou.

“If you’re always trying to be normal you will never know how amazing you can be. We encourage the black community to celebrate the amazing past, present and future queens in our community.”

Since the card was unveiled last month, customers have been keen to sign up for one.

“I just saw your new debit card. I looked for a branch near me, but no luck. Why are you all not located in Atlanta yet? ...That's the blackest city in the country,” one Twitter user said.

A "King" version of the card is also understood to be available.

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